PETALING JAYA: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has defended the upcoming adjustment to water tariffs, calling it a necessary measure to improve water facilities in West Malaysia and Labuan.
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago said the move would help with issues such as reducing non-revenue water (NRW), replacing old pipes, and upgrading water treatment plants.
He also urged state governments, including those led by Perikatan Nasional, to acknowledge the importance of the adjustment.
“At the national water meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, they (chief ministers and menteris besar) assured that they would support it,” he told FMT.
Santiago was responding to Gerakan’s call for SPAN to focus on replacing old pipes nationwide before considering a hike in water tariffs.
Yesterday, SPAN announced that an adjustment of water tariffs for domestic users in the peninsula and Labuan would be implemented from Feb 1, involving an average increase of 22 sen per cubic metre.
SPAN said through the tariff setting mechanism, the structure for tariffs would be standardised across states in the peninsula and Labuan, while tariff rates would be reviewed every three years.
Santiago also said that replacing old pipes with new ones and reducing NRW were part of the strategy to increase water tariffs.
“The overarching strategy is to secure sufficient funds to enable operators to reduce NRW, upgrade water treatment plants and settle outstanding debts, particularly to Tenaga Nasional Bhd,” he said.
Santiago added that the adjustment takes into account climate change issues, which might affect future water supply.
“There are countries where there can be no rainfall for a month or two. This will affect households and factories if there is not enough water,” he said.
“We must invest in new technology for the future. While tariff increases may have financial implications for some people, it is a necessary investment for the future.” - FMT
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